Nipple speeds

[Catbutt Diapers]

We have been using slow flow nipples (playtex drop-in bottles) since we were breast and bottle feeding, now that Lulu is not breastfeeding anymore, should we go up to the medium or fast flow nipples? The slow ones say up to 6 months, and she is now 9 months old.

[EmilyMae12]

My DD is eleven months and even though she is taking less bottles, most of the nipples we use are the same as when she was tiny (We use Tommee Tippee). She can suck a bottle back pretty quickly, but I do notice she can finish a bottle even more quickly if she has the older baby flow nipple on . . . I would get the next size up if your DD seems frustrated with the flow rate.

[l_Kimmie_l]

At 6 months I switched Jake to med. flow. He was no longer nursing so he liked them better.

[7 for now]

I am using the level 2 Dr Browns for my preemie. But he has a weak suck and, even now at 4 months old has not gotten suck, swallow, breathe down. This was all in part to respiratory issues that led to him having half his lung removed. He can't eat enough with a smaller nipple.

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[Sha-nanagins]

Originally Posted by EmilyMae12 My DD is eleven months and even though she is taking less bottles, most of the nipples we use are the same as when she was tiny (We use Tommee Tippee). She can suck a bottle back pretty quickly, but I do notice she can finish a bottle even more quickly if she has the older baby flow nipple on . . . I would get the next size up if your DD seems frustrated with the flow rate.

Yes, this. The general rule of thumb is that if baby is sucking hard and seems frustrated, you might want to try a faster nipple. If baby is content, there's no need to mess with what works.

As far as switching from nursing goes, babies have to work harder to get milk from the breast than a bottle. As a result, babies that are used to nursing tend to prefer a slower nipple on a bottle. Otherwise, the "meal" disappears too quickly.

[Catbutt Diapers]

thanks! I think I'll just leave her with the slow flows then, she is still perfectly happy using them.

[MyKylie]

I never did switch my son to a faster speed. He used slow speed exclusively!

[Ola_]

DD used the preemie nipples till about 9 months old, then the level one after. We never went to faster ones, it didn't bother her to have to work harder at it. If anything she would get upset at the faster flow ones as it would spill out of her mouth. I think she also had a high need to suck so the slow flow worked well for her.